Trailer Sway Control

Your vehicle is equipped with Trailer Sway Control. This system uses the sensors of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system. It helps restore directional stability of the vehicle combination if the trailer begins to sway. For more information on VSA, see page 402.

When a reduction in directional stability of the vehicle combination is detected, the system checks whether the trailer is the cause and whether the trailer is swaying.

The greatest effects on the dynamic stability of the vehicle combination are caused by crosswinds and failure to maintain the correct vertical load on the trailer hitch.

The influence of these factors may lead to loss of trailer stability and cause it to "sway".

In this situation, the Trailer Stability Assist system takes measures to restore the stability of the vehicle and trailer combination by reducing vehicle speed. The control unit commands selective activation of the wheel brakes and a reduction of engine torque.

In this case, the system automatically activates the brake lights of your vehicle, even if you do not press the brake pedal.

If the vehicle brakes are applied, the trailer brake lights will come on simultaneously with the vehicle brake lights.

When the Trailer Stability Assist is activated, the VSA indicator starts flashing. You may also hear noise from the VSA hydraulic components.

The Trailer Stability Assist system cannot prevent loss of control. In emergency situations, take measures to reduce speed and maintain directional stability of the vehicle. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers. This may cause the vehicle and trailer to jackknife or roll over.

The Trailer Stability Assist system cannot prevent trailer "sway" caused by strong crosswinds or under normal or extreme driving conditions.

This system maintains directional stability of the vehicle and/or trailer in the event of significant lateral oscillations.

The system also cannot perform its functions if the vehicle is traveling at excessively high speed or if the trailer's center of gravity is excessively high.

Observe the speed limits established for a vehicle towing a trailer.

Trailer Stability Assist System Malfunction

The control unit constantly monitors the electrical circuits of the VSA system and the brake system. If a brake light malfunction occurs, the Trailer Stability Assist system switches off, and the "TSA™" symbol appears on the multi-information display, which may be accompanied by the message "CHECK SYSTEM".

In this case, have your vehicle inspected at a dealer service center as soon as possible.

In this case, the traction control and vehicle stability assist functions will remain operational, but the Trailer Stability Assist function will not work.

If a malfunction occurs in the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system, the VSA system and the Trailer Stability Assist system switch off, the "VSA" symbol appears on the multi-information display, which may be accompanied by the message "CHECK SYSTEM", followed by the "TSA™" symbol, which may also be accompanied by the message "CHECK SYSTEM". The VSA warning light and the VSA system activation indicator also come on in the instrument cluster.

The ABS warning light and the brake system malfunction warning light may also come on together with this warning light.

If these warning lights come on, have the vehicle inspected at a dealer service center immediately.

When the VSA system is switched off, the Trailer Stability Assist system is also switched off. Press and hold the VSA switch until you hear a short beep. At the same time, the VSA indicator on the instrument cluster will come on as a reminder. To switch the VSA system back on, press the switch again.

The VSA system turns on each time the engine is started, regardless of whether it was turned off by the driver before.